The Halls Creek sobering-up centre was officially opened today by North-West Minister Ernie Bridge.
Mr Bridge said similar centres had been operating for some time in Perth and South Hedland, where they were helping to reduce the harm associated with public drunkenness, both for individuals and the community generally.
"This is an important initiative which goes to the heart of a tragic problem which must be addressed responsibly both by Government and communities generally," he said.
Public drunkenness was decriminalised in April, 1990, but Mr Bridge said that without diversionary facilities, many persons found drunk in public were still detained in police lock-ups.
"It is essential we overcome this and allow people to sober up with dignity and care," he said.
"This new facility in Halls Creek will ensure this can occur, while also acting as a referral point for individuals who want to change their drinking behaviour."
The process of establishing the facility involved extensive community consultation. The People's Church of Halls Creek was selected to manage the centre because of its highly respected practical welfare orientation, and would be working closely with the WA Alcohol and Drug Authority.
Mr Bridge said the Halls Creek centre had potential to assist a large number of people who would otherwise be detained in the town's lock-up. A total of 1,293 such detentions occurred in the first six months of this year.
The sobering-up centre was purpose-designed for Halls Creek, with construction overseen by an Aboriginal-owned building company with considerable experience working in remote northern locations.
Other sobering-up centres were currently being established in Roebourne and Fitzroy Crossing.
